Water pollution prevention and remediation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel, and removal of the same from the bilge. The system includes an absorber for absorbing hazardous waste from a fluid in the bilge. The system further includes a locator for locating the absorber in a predetermined orientation relative to a bilge pump to prevent the discharge of hazardous waste from the bilge. In one embodiment of the invention, the locator is an upstanding member in relation to the fluid in the bilge and includes at least one locator channel defined along at least a portion of the locator for slidable receipt of the absorber. According to this characterization, the absorber is movable along the locator channel as a function of the bilge fluid level to absorb hazardous waste from the fluid and isolate an inlet of the bilge pump from receipt of the same.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is related to the field of water pollutionprevention, and in particular, to preventing the discharge of hazardouswaste, and recovery of the same, from a marine vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] By design, substantially all potential fluid containment areas ofa marine vessel, e.g., boat, jet ski, offshore drilling platform, etc.drain toward a common collecting area known as a bilge. The bilge istypically located in a lower or bottom portion of a vessel and includesa pump. The pump is referred to in the art as a bilge pump, and uponaccumulation of a predetermined amount of fluid in the bilge, the bilgepump is designed to pump the collected fluid overboard of the vessel.

[0003] An automatic switch activated by a float (“float switch”),controls operation of the bilge pump. The float switch functions tostart and stop the pump according to the level of fluid contained in thebilge, as indicated by the float. The switch is electrically connectedto the bilge pump such that as fluid accumulates in the bilge, the floatfloats upward with the fluid level until the switch is triggered toinitiate operation of the pump, and begin pumping the fluid overboard.Similarly, as the fluid is pumped overboard and the fluid level in thebilge falls, the float floats down with the fluid level, where it againtriggers the switch to terminate operation of the pump.

[0004] Due to the location of the bilge in the bottom of a vessel,hazardous waste, such as oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, grease, fuel,transmission fluid etc., are also subject to collection in the bilgealong with non-hazardous fluids such as rainwater, air conditionercondensate, and water brought onto the vessel due to swimming and/orother activities. These hazardous waste fluids, if not removed prior tooperation of the bilge pump, are discharged overboard with the otherfluids, thereby polluting the surrounding waterway. Additionally, undercurrent laws, the discharge of such hazardous waste fluids into awaterway is a source of liability for owners and operators of marinevessels. Therefore, a need exists in the art for preventing thedischarge, as well as removal of, hazardous fluids from marine vessels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In view of the foregoing, a primary object of the presentinvention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for preventingthe discharge of hazardous fluids into a waterway. A related primaryobject of the present invention is to provide an improved method andapparatus for preventing or reducing the discharge of such hazardousfluids from their source or point of origination, namely a bilge area ofa marine vessel. Another object of the present invention is to provide amethod and apparatus for improved removal of hazardous fluids from abilge area of a marine vessel. A related object of the present inventionis to minimize or eliminate the introduction of hazardous fluids to abilge pump in a marine vessel. Another object of the present inventionis to provide an apparatus that improves remediation of hazardous fluidsin the bilge area of a marine vessel.

[0006] In the context of the present invention, the term “marine vessel”includes any structure having a collection area, e.g., a bilge, fordisposal of fluids into a waterway, with some examples including withoutlimitation, boats, ships, jet skis, offshore drilling platforms and thelike, etc. Also, in the context of the present invention, hazardouswaste fluids are referred to herein as petrochemicals and include atleast hydrocarbon compounds such as crude oil, diesel, gasoline,transmission oil, gear oil and the like. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that due to the density difference and buoyancy forcesbetween petrochemicals and water, petrochemicals float on the surface ofwater and are most notably apparent by the appearance of a shiny film.

[0007] One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages maybe realized by a first aspect of the present invention, which providesan absorber for removing petrochemicals from a fluid in a bilge area ofa marine vessel. The absorber includes a frame having a geometric shapethat defines an interior space or area within the absorber. The absorberfurther includes a petrochemical absorbent material configured in thegeometric shape of the frame and connectable to the frame to form theabsorber. Preferably, such material is hydrophobic, such that it isimpervious to water and substantially only absorbs petrochemicals orother potentially hazardous fluids.

[0008] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation tothe subject first aspect of the present invention. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the subject first aspect as well. Theserefinements and additional features may exist individually or in anycombination. For instance, according to one embodiment of the absorber,the interior area may be sized and shaped for positioning around a bilgepump of a marine vessel. In this regard, the absorber may operate toabsorb petrochemicals from the fluid in the bilge as well as to isolatean inlet(s) of the bilge pump from receipt of petrochemicals. In thelatter case, the absorber may be floatable on the fluid such that as thefluid is pumped from the bilge, the absorber lowers with the fluid tocircumscribe the bilge pump, and specifically, the bilge pump inlet(s).In this case, the exact geometric shape of the frame is only limited bythe requirement of defining an interior space/area sized and shaped toaccommodate a bilge pump. Thus, the frame may be a rectangular, square,circular, ovular etc. shape as a matter of design choice. Additionally,the interior space/area defined by the frame may be fully or onlypartially enclosed.

[0009] In one arrangement, the absorber may include a cover materialconnected around the frame and absorbent material. The cover materialmay be a petrochemical absorbent material or may be a material thatallows fluid and petrochemicals to pass through to the enclosedabsorbent material. In another arrangement, the absorber may include anindicator to provide information to a user regarding the level ofsaturation of the absorbent material and thus the need for replacementof the same.

[0010] One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages mayalso be realized by a second aspect of the present invention, whichprovides an apparatus for positioning a petrochemical absorber in abilge area of a marine vessel. The apparatus includes a locatormountable in the bilge area in vertical relation to a fluid therein anda channel defined along at least a portion of the locator for slidablereceipt of the absorber. The absorber is movable along the channel as afunction of a fluid-level in the bilge area.

[0011] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation tothe subject second aspect of the present invention. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the subject second aspect as well. Theserefinements and additional features may exist individually or in anycombination. For instance, the locator may be positioned in the bilgearea in a generally upstanding relation to the fluid therein to define apredetermined path of travel for the absorber. In another instance, thelocator may also laterally restrain the absorber during movement throughthe absorber's predetermined path of travel as determined by thelocator.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locator includes a singlehousing defining a channel from a lower portion connected to a basemember to an upper portion proximate a maximum fluid level of a bilgearea. According to another embodiment, the locator may include a pair ofsubstantially parallel housings defining a first and second channelrespectively from a lower portion connected to a base to an upperportion proximate a maximum fluid level of a bilge area. In the firstembodiment, the locator may be configured for use with an enclosed orsubstantially enclosed absorber. In the latter embodiment, the locatormay be configured for use with a semi-enclosed absorber such that afirst end is slidably received in one of the channels and a second endis slidably received in the other one of the channels. According to thischaracterization, the locator may further include a sealing walldisposed between the two housings. The sealing wall may further includea passage for a discharge outlet conduit of a bilge pump. In thismanner, the absorber is movable along the locator between lower andupper portions as a function of the fluid level.

[0013] In either of the above embodiments, the locator is preferablypositioned proximate a bilge pump to absorb petrochemicals from thesurrounding bilge fluid and substantially prevent entry ofpetrochemicals into an inlet(s) of the bilge pump as the absorber ismoved along the locator, as a function of the bilge fluid level.

[0014] One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages mayalso be realized by a third aspect of the present invention, whichprovides an apparatus for removal of petrochemicals from fluid in abilge area of a marine vessel. The apparatus includes an absorber forabsorbing petrochemicals and a locator for locating the absorber in thebilge area of a marine vessel. The locator may further include thechannel defined along at least a portion of the locator for slidablereceipt of the absorber, wherein the absorber is movable along thechannel as a function of the fluid level in the bilge area.

[0015] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation tothe subject third aspect of the present invention. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the subject third aspect as well. Theserefinements and additional features may exist individually or in anycombination. For instance, the locator and absorber may be variouscombinations of the above set forth embodiments of locators andabsorbers according to the present invention.

[0016] One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages mayalso be realized by a fourth aspect of the present invention, whichprovides a method of removing petrochemicals from a fluid in a bilge ofa marine vessel. The method comprises positioning a locator in the bilgeof the marine vessel in an upstanding relation to a bilge fluid leveland moving a petrochemical absorber along the locator using the fluidlevel. The method further includes absorbing petrochemicals from thefluid in the bilge area using the absorber.

[0017] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation tothe subject fourth aspect of the present invention. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the subject fourth aspect as well. Theserefinements and additional features may exist individually or in anycombination. For instance, the locator may be positioned proximate abilge pump and the positioning step may include locating the bilge pumpin an interior area of the absorber using the locator. Similarly, theabsorbing step may include contacting petrochemicals with the absorberand absorbing the petrochemicals with a wicking action as the absorberis moved along locator.

[0018] One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages mayalso be realized by a fifth aspect of the present invention, whichprovides a method of removing petrochemicals from a fluid in a bilge ofa marine vessel. The method comprises locating an absorber in apredetermined lateral position within the bilge, moving the absorber upand down within the bilge as a function of a fluid level, maintainingthe lateral position of the absorber as the absorber moves up and downand absorbing petrochemicals from the fluid.

[0019] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation tothe subject fifth aspect of the present invention. Further features mayalso be incorporated in the subject fifth aspect of the presentinvention as well. These refinements and additional features may existindividually or in any combination. Furthermore, additional aspects,advantages and applications of the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a water pollution prevention apparatusinstalled in a bilge of a marine vessel;

[0021]FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly view of the water pollutionprevention apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly view of an absorber for the waterpollution prevention apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an operation protocol for the waterpollution prevention apparatus of FIG. 1;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which atleast assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of thepresent invention. In this regard, the following description ispresented for purposes of illustration and description and is notintended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with thefollowing teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, arewithin the scope of the present invention. The embodiments describedherein are further intended to explain the best modes known ofpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with variousmodifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of thepresent invention.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a water pollution prevention apparatus 100includes a locator 102 and an absorber 104. The water pollutionprevention apparatus 100 is designed for mounting in a bilge 118 of amarine vessel. While the apparatus 100 may be mounted at variouslocations within the bilge 118, the water pollution prevention apparatus100 is most advantageous when positioned proximate a bilge pump 166,such that an interior space 120, of the absorber 104 is positionablearound the pump 106. Alternatively, however, it will be appreciated fromthe following description that other mounting locations are possible andanticipated to achieve the objects and advantages of the presentinvention, namely preventing the discharge of petrochemicals from marinevessels and removal of the same from bilge areas, e.g., bilge 118.

[0026] By way of background, the bilge pump 106 may be any one ofnumerous types of bilge pump systems utilized in marine vessels. Forpurposes of illustration, however, the bilge pump 106 is shown on FIG. 1to include components that are typically included on bilge pump systems.In this regard, the bilge pump 106 includes fluid inlets 114 disposedaround its base, as well as a fluid outlet conduit 116, connected to alocation external to the bilge 118. During operation of the pump 106,the fluid 112 is drawn into the fluid inlets 114 from the bilge 118 anddischarged overboard of the vessel through the outlet conduit 116. Itwill be appreciated that in a typical bilge pump system, such as bilgepump system 106, it is desirable to locate the fluid inlets 114 at thelowest practical point within the bilge 118 to facilitate removal of amaximum amount of fluid 112 during operation of the pump 106.

[0027] An automatic float switch 108, that includes a float 110,controls operation of the pump 106. The float switch 108 functions tostart and stop the pump 106 according to a level of fluid 112 containedwithin the bilge 1 18, as indicated by the float 110. The float switch108 is electrically connected to the pump 106 such that as the fluid 112accumulates in the bilge 118, the float 110 floats upward with the fluid112 until the float switch 108 is triggered to initiate operation of thepump 106 and begin pumping the fluid 112 overboard; most commonlythrough a discharge tube or hose, e.g., conduit 116, between the bilgepump discharge port and an exit orifice located external to the vessel.Similarly, as the fluid 112 is pumped overboard and the level of fluid112 falls, the float 110 floats down with the level of fluid 112 andagain triggers the float switch 108 to terminate operation of the pump106.

[0028] The locator 102, of the water pollution prevention apparatus 100,operates to position the absorber 104 within the bilge 118 as the levelof fluid 112 moves up and down between pumping cycles. Specifically, asthe fluid 112 moves up within the bilge 118 the absorber 104 is floatedup along the locator 102 with the fluid 112. Likewise as the level offluid 112 drops, the absorber 104 moves down the locator 102 with thelevel of fluid 112. Thus, the locator 102 defines a predetermined pathof travel for the absorber 104 as a function of the level of fluid 112in the bilge 118.

[0029] The locator 102 also maintains lateral positioning of theabsorber 104 within the bilge 118. Preferably, such lateral positioninglocates the absorber 104 around the bilge pump 106, as the level offluid 112 moves up and down between pumping cycles. In this regard, theabsorber 104 includes the interior area 120, which is substantially freefrom petrochemicals. Further, the absorber 104 preferably comprises amaterial that absorbs petrochemicals from the fluid 112, such thatpetrochemicals are unable to pass under or through the absorber 104.This in turn maintains the area 120 substantially free frompetrochemicals; thereby isolating the inlets 114 of the bilge pump 106from receipt of petrochemicals. According to this characterization, asthe level of fluid 112 drops in the bilge 118, the absorber 104 andinterior area 120, are moved down along the locator 102 to a positionwhere the absorber 104 circumscribes the fluid inlets 114 of the pump106. This in turn isolates the inlets 114 during operation of the pump106 from receipt of petrochemicals, thereby preventing their dischargeinto the adjacent waterway(s).

[0030] Furthermore, where petrochemicals are introduced into the area120, such as by splashing over the top of the absorber 104, thepetrochemicals should be absorbed into the absorber 104 prior toreaching the inlets 114. This follows from the inherent operationalcharacteristics of the bilge pump 106, in combination with the designand operational characteristics of the present water pollutionprevention apparatus 100. For instance, since the pump 106 only operateswhen the fluid 112 reaches a predetermined height or level, ifsplash-over occurs with less than the predetermined fluid level, thepump 106 is non-operational and the absorber 104 has time to absorb anysplashed over petrochemicals in the area 120 prior to operation of thepump 106. If on the other hand, the fluid level is at or close to thepredetermined level, e.g., where the pump 106 is about to be operated,the absorber 104 should still absorb substantially all of thepetrochemicals prior to the fluid level dropping to a point wherepetrochemicals on the surface can be drawn into the inlets 114. In thisregard, it is anticipated that due to the relatively small size of thearea 120, relative to the bilge 118, substantially all, if not all, ofany petrochemicals introduced in the area 120 will be quickly absorbedby the absorber 104.

[0031] It should also be noted, that the absorber 104 may be constructedin a variety of predetermined thicknesses, as a function of the vesselfor which it is to be used. For instance, a thicker absorber 104increases the availability of absorbent material for absorbingpetrochemicals from the fluid 112. Furthermore, a thicker absorber 104minimizes the amount of splash-over of fluid 112 into the area 120,which as noted, may briefly introduce petrochemicals 300 into the area120. Thus, by utilizing a thicker absorber 104 in vessels that are moresusceptible to turbulent conditions, the introduction of petrochemicalsvia splash-over into the area 120 may be further minimized.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentwater pollution prevention apparatus 100, the locator 102 includes apair of housings, 200 and 202. The housings, 200 and 202, are connectedin parallel relation to each other and perpendicular relation to a basemember 204. The base member 204 is in turn, mountable within the bilge118. The housings, 200 and 202, are generally upstanding relative to thebase member 204 such that when the base member 204 is mounted in thebilge1 18, the housings, 200 and 202, are in a substantiallyperpendicular relation to the fluid 112. This in turn controls thedirection and facilitates movement of the absorber 104 as a function ofthe level of fluid 112 in the bilge 118. In addition, while notnecessary to the present invention, a brace, such as brace 214, may alsobe included between the housings, 200 and 202, to provide additionalstability to the locator 102.

[0033] As will be appreciated, the locator 102 including the housings,200 and 202, and base 204, may be constructed from numerous types ofmaterials as a matter of design choice. Preferably, however, suchmaterials are chosen as a function of their corrosion resistance anddurability in damp environments. Some examples of exemplary materialsmay include without limitation, plastics, fiberglass, and/or stainlesssteel.

[0034] The housings, 200 and 202, each include or define a locatorchannel, 206 and 208, respectively. The locator channels, 206 and 208,function as an interface for the slidable connection of a first end 210and second end 212 of the absorber 104. In this regard, the housings,200 and 202, are positioned on the base member 204 in a spaced relationsuch that the ends, 210 and 212, are insertable into the top of thechannels, 206 and 208, to provide a slidable connection therebetween.Advantageously, such a connection provides a slidable engagement betweenthe locator 102 and the absorber 104, as well as a detachable connectiontherebetween, e.g., the absorber 104 may be removed by sliding the ends,210 and 212, out of the top of the channels, 206 and 208. This in turnfacilitates simple replacement of the absorber 104 in the event itbecomes worn or saturated with petrochemicals. Furthermore, asillustrated on FIG. 2, such positioning of the housings, 200 and 202,may also include a slight inward rotation of the channels, 206 and 208,relative to the absorber 104. As will be appreciated, the inwardrotation minimizes the opening between the ends, 210 and 212, of theabsorber 104 and maximizes the amount of absorption capability for agiven absorber 104.

[0035] The absorber 104 is maintained in a substantially perpendicularorientation relative to the locator 102 through floatation on the fluid112. In this regard, the absorber 104 is free to move with the level offluid 112 between an upper portion 220 and lower portion 218 of thelocator 102. In other words, the locator 102 operates as a verticalguide for the absorber 104, which is floated up and down within thebilge 118 as a function of the amount of fluid 112 contained therein. Itwill be appreciated in this regard, that the dimensions of the housings,200 and 202, are a function of the maximum level of fluid 112 that ispermitted in a given bilge, e.g., 118, as well as the size of a givenbilge pump, e.g., 106. In other words, the housings, 200 and 202, shouldbe of sufficient height to accommodate movement of the absorber 104between a maximum fluid level and a minimum fluid level. Further, thehousings, 200 and 202 should be of sufficient size to accommodate thesize of a given absorber 104, which in turn is a function of bilge pumpsize and desired amount of absorption material. Thus, the housings, 200and 202, may be constructed in different dimensions, as a matter ofdesign choice, to accommodate different vessel sizes, e.g., largervessels having the ability to accommodate more fluid 112 within theirbilges and having larger pumps than smaller vessels.

[0036] The locator 102 may also include a sealing wall 126 covering thebackside of the housings, 200 and 202. The sealing wall 126 includes anaperture 201 appropriately sized to accommodate the outlet conduit 116of the bilge pump 106. In one example, the sealing wall 126 may bedetachably connected to the housings, 200 and 202, to facilitateinstallation of the water pollution prevention apparatus 100. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate numerous methods that may be utilizedas a matter of design choice to provide the detachable connection of thesealing wall 126; with one example being, Velcro strips 222 and 224. Thesealing wall 126 may also include a slot 216 to permit the sealing wall126 to be snapped over the outlet conduit 116 during connection. Inother words, the opposing sides of the slot 216 may be bent in oppositedirections to provide a larger opening for the conduit 116 to passthrough the slot 216 during connection. It should be noted that,according to this embodiment, the sealing wall 126 also operates toenclose the interior area 120 of the absorber 104 to prevent entry ofpetrochemicals. Thus, in this case, petrochemicals are prevented fromentering the area 120, as they are unable to pass through the sealingwall 126, as well as under, or through the absorber 104.

[0037] As with the locator 102, base 204, and housings, 200 and 202, thesealing wall may be constructed from numerous types of materials as amatter of design choice. Preferably, however, such materials are chosenas a function of their corrosion resistance and durability in dampenvironments. Some examples of exemplary materials may include withoutlimitation, plastics, fiberglass, and/or stainless steel.

[0038] In another example of the present water pollution preventionapparatus 100, the sealing wall may be constructed from or covered witha material that absorbs petrochemicals 300. Advantageously, thisincreases the absorption and removal capacity of a given apparatus 100.As discussed further below, some examples of such materials includethose having a cellular material sufficiently open to allow the fluid112 to pass freely and yet remain oil wet (oleophilic) when contacted byan oil-water mixture, e.g., petrochemicals 300.

[0039]FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly view of the absorber 104 accordingto the present invention. The absorber 104 includes a support member,e.g., a frame 301, a first material 302, and a cover material 304. Theframe 301 is designed to provide support and rigidity to the absorber104 to facilitate movement along the locator 102. Specifically, theframe 301 reduces deformation of the absorber 104 as it absorbspetrochemicals, thereby reducing binding of the ends, 210 and 212,within the locator channels, 206 and 208, respectively. This isespecially advantageous as the absorber 104 becomes saturated withpetrochemicals.

[0040] Taking into consideration the intended environment of use, itwill be appreciated that the frame 301 may be constructed from numerousmaterials as a matter of design choice. Some examples of such materialsinclude without limitation plastics and fiberglass. Furthermore, theframe 301 may be a highly porous polymer structure known as fullyreticulated open-cell foam, such as polyurethane. Advantageously, such amaterial provides rigidity as well as providing an effectivepetrochemical collecting action to improve efficiency of the absorber104. Additionally, the hydrophobic character of polyurethane foamcoupled with its lightweight and relatively high specific gravity,normally in the range of 1.00 and 1.20, provides an ideal material forconstructing a buoyant absorber 104 that is well adapted to serve as afloating petrochemical collection structure for the water pollutionprevention apparatus 100.

[0041] While the frame 301 is shown in a semi-circular configuration onFIG. 3, it will be appreciated the frame 301 may be any geometric shapethat includes an interior space, e.g., 120, sized and shaped toaccommodate a bilge pump, such as pump 106. Thus, the frame 301 may be avariety of shapes including without limitation, ovular, square,rectangular, triangular, etc. each of which may be a fully enclosed orsemi-enclosed structure.

[0042] The material 302 may be any material that absorbs petrochemicals300. The material 302 may be a single piece of material or multiplepieces of material, as illustrated on FIG. 3, that are formed in theshape of the frame 301, e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, asemi-circular shape. Some examples of petrochemical absorbent materialssuitable for use include those having a cellular material sufficientlyopen to allow the fluid 112 to pass freely and yet remain oil wet(oleophilic) when contacted by an oil-water mixture. As used herein, theterm “cellular material” is intended to denote a variety of materials,including open-cell foams or sponges, and also fibrous mats, or pads,fabricated from such substances as asbestos fibers, hay, straw, cotton,synthetic fibers, such as synthetic rubber and the like. Some furtherexamples include without limitation, generic polymers, such aspolyester, polyethyl, and polyurethane foams.

[0043] In another embodiment of the absorber 104, the material 302 maybe constructed from cellular materials impregnated with a hydrophobicand oleophilic sealant in a sufficient amount to coat the surfaces ofthe cells or capillary domains for use in absorbing oil and likepollutants. One example of such a material may be formed by impregnatinga sheet of open-celled polyurethane foam with a solution of latexsealant that is inert to water but capable of being swelled in oil.

[0044] The cover material 304 may be any material suitable to maintainthe petrochemical absorbing material 302 in the predetermined shape ofthe frame 301 and strong enough to permit physical handling even after aconsiderable weight of petrochemicals are absorbed. Furthermore, thecover material 304 may itself be adapted to serve as an oil collectionmaterial that operates in combination with the material 302 to absorbpetrochemicals from the fluid 112. Similarly, the cover material 304 maybe a petrochemical resistive material, such as polypropylene orpolyethylene mesh or netting material, that permits fluid 112 andpetrochemicals to pass freely through the cover material 304 into thematerial 302. In the first case above (where the cover material 304 ispetrochemical absorbent), it may be desirable to sew the cover material304 around the material 302 and frame 301 as the absorber 104 would bereplaced upon saturation with petrochemicals 300. In this case, theframe 301 may also include apertures as exemplified by aperture 308, tofacilitate attachment of the cover material 304 and/or the material 302.The apertures 308 also serve to hold the material 302 in the correctposition relative to the frame 301.

[0045] In the latter case (where the cover material 304 is resistive topetrochemicals), it may be desirable to use a detachable connection suchas Velcro to attach the cover material 304 around the material 302 andframe 301. This in turn facilitates replacement of the material 302 uponsaturation of the same without the necessity of replacing the frame 301and cover material 304.

[0046] In another embodiment of the absorber 104, the absorber 104 mayalso include an indicator 306 to provide information to a user regardingthe level of saturation of the material 302, and thus, the need toreplace the material 302 and/or the absorber 104 in its entirety. In oneexample, the indicator 306 may be an opening provided in the covermaterial for viewing of the enclosed material 302. In addition, theindicator opening or window may further include a transparent materialsewn into the cover material 304 to protect the enclosed material 302.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, one example of an operational protocolfor the present water pollution prevention apparatus 100 is provided.Referring first to FIG. 4, there is shown the water pollution preventionapparatus 100 installed in a bilge, such as 118, containing both fluid112 and petrochemicals 300. The water pollution prevention apparatus 100is installed in the bilge 118, such that the absorber 104 is positionedaround the bilge pump 106. Specifically, the absorber 104 is positionedaround the bilge pump 106 such that the fluid inlets 114 are containedwithin the interior area 120 provided by the absorber 104 and sealingwall 126 when the level of fluid 112 is below the fluid inlets 114, asillustrated on FIG. 4. This in turn isolates the fluid inlets 114 fromthe petrochemicals 300 minimizing the discharge of the same overboard ofa vessel into a surrounding waterway(s). Referring also to FIGS. 5 and6, during a typical cycle of the bilge pump 106, the level of the fluid112 will begin to rise as fluid 112 collects in the bilge 118. As thelevel of the fluid 112 rises, the absorber 104 is floated with therising fluid 112 upward along the locator 102. When the fluid 112reaches a maximum fluid level, determined by the design and installationof the bilge pump 106, the float 110 trips a circuit in the float switch108 to supply a current to the pump 106, thereby beginning operation ofthe same. As the pump 106 empties the fluid 112 from the bilge 118, theabsorber 104 floats downward with the dropping fluid 112. It should benoted, that during operation of the pump 106 only the fluid 112 ispumped through the inlets 114 as the petrochemicals 300 remain on thesurface of the fluid 112 away from the fluid inlets 114. Similarly, asthe level of fluid 112 falls below the fluid inlets 114, as shown inFIG. 4, the absorber 104 circumscribes the inlets 114 substantiallypreventing the introduction of petrochemicals 300. In this manner, thewater pollution prevention apparatus 100 operates to isolate the bilgepump 106, and particularly the fluid inlets 114, from the introductionof petrochemicals 300. It will be appreciated that FIG. 4 is providedfor purpose of illustration, and that subsequent to an initialinstallation and operation of the pump 106, the float 110 may ceaseoperation of the pump 106 prior to the fluid level falling below theinlets 114. This in turn, prevents cavitation of the pump 106.

[0048] Furthermore, the water pollution prevention apparatus 100 alsoabsorbs for later removal, petrochemicals 300 from the fluid 112 andbilge 118. In this regard, as petrochemicals 300 encounter the absorber104, such as via the fluid 112 sloshing around in the bilge 118, theyare absorbed into the absorber 104 by a wicking action. In addition, asnoted, the materials of the absorber 104 are preferably hydrophobic suchthat substantially only the petrochemicals 300 are absorbed and retainedin the absorber 104.

[0049] It is anticipated that those skilled in the art will appreciatenumerous other examples that are within the scope of the presentinvention. For instance, it will be appreciated from the aboveembodiment, that the double housing design of the locator 102 andsemi-enclosed design of the absorber 104, accommodates bilge pumps, suchas pump 106, that include an outlet conduit 116 connected out the sideof the pump. Alternatively, however, a locator having a single locatorhousing and single locator channel may be utilized With bilge pumpshaving their outlet conduit out the top of the pump housing. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate numerous methods of accomplishing thesingle locator and enclosed absorber design. For instance, the locatorchannel may be configured in the shape of a “T” with a mating “T” shapedconnector utilized on the enclosed absorber to make the slidableconnection there between. Similarly, it is possible to utilize thissingle locator and enclosed absorber design with the bilge pump 106,where the outlet conduit 116 is routed up and over the top of thelocator. In this case, it may be desirable to make the interior space,e.g., 120, of the absorber larger so that it accommodates enclosure ofthe pump 106 as well as the routing of the outlet conduit 116, toprevent interference during movement of the absorber along the locator.

[0050] In another alternative embodiment and regardless of theterminology used herein, the absorber 104 may comprise a material thatis impervious to petrochemicals 300, rather than a material that absorbspetrochemicals 300. In this case, the absorber 104 would not removepetrochemicals 300 from the fluid 112, but would still function toisolate the bilge pump 106 and thereby minimize the discharge ofpetrochemicals 300 as it would minimize entry of the same into theinterior area 120.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations of theabove-described embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples andillustrations discussed above, but only by the following claims andtheir equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A water pollution prevention apparatus to removepetrochemicals from a fluid in a bilge of a marine vessel, comprising:an absorber for absorbing petrochemicals; and a locator for locating theabsorber in a predetermined orientation in a bilge of a marine vessel,the locator comprising at least one locator channel defined along atleast a portion of the locator for slidable receipt of the absorber,wherein the absorber is movable along the locator channel as a functionof a fluid level in the bilge of the marine vessel.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a base mountable in the bilge of the marinevessel, wherein the locator extends upward from the base.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the locator is positionable proximate abilge pump in a vertically upward relation to a fluid in the bilge. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the locator channel is defined alongthe locator from a lower portion of the locator positionable proximatethe bilge pump to an upper portion of the locator positionable proximatea maximum fluid level of the bilge.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 whereinthe absorber defines an interior area on the surface of the fluid. 6.The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the locator laterally restrains theabsorber during movement along the locator channel to position theinterior area around an inlet of the bilge pump to isolate the inletfrom receipt of petrochemicals as fluid is pumped from the bilge.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the absorber comprises: a hydrophobicmaterial having petrochemical absorbent properties.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the absorber comprises: a frame for supporting thehydrophobic material relative to the locator as the absorber is movedalong the locator channel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein theabsorber comprises: a cover material enclosing the frame and hydrophobicmaterial.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locator comprises: afirst housing defining a first locator channel for the slidable receiptof a first end of the absorber; and a second housing in substantiallyparallel relation to the first housing defining a second locator channelfor the slidable receipt of a second end of the absorber.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a sealing wall connected tothe first and second housings.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein thesealing wall includes a passage for receipt of a fluid outlet conduit ofthe bilge pump.
 13. An apparatus for positioning an absorber in a bilgeof a marine vessel, the apparatus comprising: a locator mountable in abilge of a marine vessel in vertical relation to a fluid in the bilge;and at least one channel defined along at least a portion of the locatorfor slidable receipt of the absorber, wherein the absorber is movablealong the channel as a function of a fluid level in the bilge.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13 further comprising: a base mountable in the bilgeof the marine vessel, wherein the locator extends upward from the base.15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the locator is positionableproximate a bilge pump located in the bilge.
 16. The apparatus of claim15 wherein the channel is defined along the locator from a lower portionof the locator proximate the bilge pump to an upper portion of thelocator proximate a maximum fluid level of the bilge.
 17. The apparatusof claim 15 wherein the locator laterally restrains the absorber toposition the absorber adjacent an inlet of the bilge pump to isolate theinlet from receipt of petrochemicals as fluid is pumped from the bilge.18. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the locator comprises: a firsthousing defining a first channel for the slidable receipt of a first endof the absorber; and a second housing defining a second channel for theslidable receipt of a second end of the absorber.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 further comprising: a sealing wall connected to the first andsecond housings.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the sealing wallincludes a passage for receipt of a fluid outlet conduit of the bilgepump.
 21. An absorber to remove petrochemicals from fluid in a bilge ofa marine vessel, the absorber comprising: a frame having a geometricshape, wherein the geometric shape defines an interior area within theabsorber; a first hydrophobic material connected to the frame andincluding the geometric shape, wherein the first hydrophobic materialabsorbs petrochemicals from a fluid and is slidably connectable with theframe to a locator for movement along the locator as a function of afluid level in a bilge of a marine vessel.
 22. The absorber of claim 21further comprising: a cover material disposed around the frame and firstmaterial, wherein the cover material permits petrochemicals to passthrough the cover material to the first material.
 23. The absorber ofclaim 22 wherein the cover material absorbs petrochemicals from thefluid.
 24. The absorber of claim 22 wherein the cover material isdetachably connected around the frame and first material.
 25. Theabsorber of claim 22 further comprising: a second hydrophobic materialconnected to the frame and including the geometric shape, wherein thesecond material absorbs petrochemicals from the fluid and is slidablyconnectable with the frame and first material to the locator formovement along the locator as a function of the fluid level in the bilgeof the marine vessel.
 26. The absorber of claim 21 wherein the interiorarea is positionable around an inlet of a bilge pump to isolate theinlet from receipt of petrochemicals as the fluid is pumped from thebilge.
 27. The absorber of claim 21 wherein the geometric shape issemi-circular.
 28. The absorber of claim 21 further comprising: anindicator for providing absorber replacement information to a user. 29.A method of removing petrochemicals from a fluid in a bilge of a marinevessel, the method comprising: positioning a locator in the bilge of themarine vessel in an upstanding relation to a fluid level; moving apetrochemical absorber along the locator using the fluid level; andabsorbing petrochemicals from the fluid.
 30. The method of claim 29wherein the moving step comprises: maintaining a predetermined path oftravel for the absorber with the locator.
 31. The method of claim 29wherein the positioning step comprises: positioning the locatorproximate a bilge pump in the bilge.
 32. The method of claim 29 themethod further comprising: laterally restraining the absorber during themoving step.
 33. The method of claim 29 wherein the moving stepcomprises: supporting the absorber on a surface of the fluid as a levelof the fluid changes.
 34. The method of claim 29 wherein the moving stepcomprises: sliding the absorber in a locator channel between an upperand lower position on the locator.
 35. The method of claim 31 the methodfurther comprising: defining an interior area of the absorber; andisolating the interior area from the introduction of petrochemicals. 36.The method of claim 35 wherein the positioning step comprises: locatingthe bilge pump in the interior area of the absorber using the locator.37. The method of claim 35 wherein the positioning step comprises:responsive to the bilge pump pumping the fluid from the bilge, locatingan inlet of the bilge pump in the interior area of the absorber usingthe locator.
 38. The method of claim 29 wherein the absorbing stepcomprises: contacting petrochemicals with the absorber; and absorbingthe petrochemicals with a wicking action as the absorber floats on asurface of the fluid and is moved along the locator with changing fluidlevels.
 39. A method of removing petrochemicals from a fluid in a bilgeof a marine vessel, the method comprising: locating an absorber in apredetermined lateral position within the bilge; moving the absorber upand down within the bilge as a function of a fluid level in the bilgemaintaining the lateral position of the absorber as the absorber movesup and down with the fluid level; and absorbing petrochemicals from thefluid.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein the locating step comprises:positioning a locator in the bilge of the marine vessel in an upstandingrelation to the fluid level; and connecting the absorber to the locator.41. The method of claim 40 wherein the moving step comprises: moving theabsorber along the locator, wherein the locator defines a predeterminedpath of travel for the absorber.
 42. The method of claim 40 wherein thelocating step comprises: positioning the locator proximate a bilge pump.43. The method of claim 40 wherein the moving step comprises: moving theabsorber in a locator channel between an upper and lower portion of thelocator.
 44. The method of claim 42 the method further comprising:defining an interior area within the absorber; and isolating theinterior area from the introduction of petrochemicals.
 45. The method ofclaim 44 wherein the maintaining step comprises: maintaining the lateralposition of the absorber to position the bilge pump in the interior areaof the absorber.
 46. The method of claim 44 wherein the positioning stepcomprises: maintaining the lateral position of the absorber to positionan inlet of the bilge pump in the interior area of the absorber.
 47. Themethod of claim 39 wherein the absorbing step comprises: contactingpetrochemicals with the absorber as the absorber moves up and down thelocator; and absorbing the petrochemicals with a wicking action.